Nîmes

Provence's Roman-heritage town

Nîmes is basically Rome’s greatest hits, but in southern France. The best of both worlds? We’ll let you decide.

This sun-soaked city has some of the best-preserved Roman architecture outside Italy, and it wears its 2,000-year history with serious swagger. The Romans absolutely adored this place – it sat on the crucial route between Italy and Spain, and they went all out with the architecture.

Fast forward through centuries of ups and downs, and modern Nîmes has figured out how to honour its ancient roots. All while keeping things vibrant and very, very French.

The old centre is gorgeously walkable. Honey-coloured stone buildings, lined with cafés, boulangeries and local épiceries. It’s almost too cliché to describe – but it’s true. And among all this French charm, imposing Roman structures just casually sit there.

The local vibe is relaxed and proud – Nîmois know they’ve got something special here. Even though it is famous because of its Arènes (Roman amphitheatre), the city continues to feel like a spot French people have kept to themselves.